Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to BlazeFlux Zenthor Architects ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website blazefluxzenthor.info or engage our architectural services.

By using our website or services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

BlazeFlux Zenthor Architects
1425 King Street West, Suite 302
Toronto, ON M6K 3N2, Canada

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Request information about our architectural services
• Submit a project inquiry or consultation request
• Subscribe to our newsletter or marketing communications
• Contact us through our website forms or email
• Engage us for residential or commercial architecture services
• Participate in surveys or feedback requests

Personal information may include:

• Name and contact information (email, phone number, address)
• Project details and property information
• Professional information (company name, position)
• Financial information for billing purposes
• Communication preferences

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device, including:

• IP address and browser type
• Operating system and device information
• Pages viewed and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses
• Date and time stamps of visits
• Click patterns and navigation paths

2.3 Project-Related Information

For clients engaging our architectural services, we may collect:

• Property ownership and site information
• Building plans, blueprints, and design specifications
• Budget and timeline requirements
• Photographs and documentation of existing structures
• Municipal permits and regulatory documentation

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:

• Service Delivery: To provide architectural design, planning, and consultation services
• Communication: To respond to inquiries, provide project updates, and maintain client relationships
• Project Management: To coordinate with contractors, engineers, and municipal authorities
• Contract Fulfillment: To execute agreements and deliver promised services
• Marketing: To send newsletters, project showcases, and promotional materials (with your consent)
• Website Improvement: To analyze user behavior and enhance website functionality
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards
• Business Operations: To maintain records, process payments, and manage administrative tasks
• Quality Assurance: To improve our services and ensure client satisfaction

4. Data Protection & Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our security practices include:

• Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption for data transmission
• Encrypted storage of sensitive information
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Access controls and authentication protocols
• Employee training on data protection and confidentiality
• Secure backup systems and disaster recovery plans
• Compliance with Canadian privacy legislation (PIPEDA)

While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but maintain industry-standard practices.

5. Cookies Policy

5.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit our website. They help us provide a better user experience by remembering your preferences and understanding how you use our site.

5.2 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality and security
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website
• Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing Cookies: Track your browsing habits for targeted advertising (with consent)

5.3 Managing Cookies

You can control and manage cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

• View and delete existing cookies
• Block cookies from specific websites
• Block all cookies from being set
• Delete all cookies when you close your browser

Please note that disabling cookies may affect your experience on our website and limit certain functionalities.

5.4 Third-Party Cookies

We may use third-party services that set cookies on our website, including:

• Google Analytics for website traffic analysis
• Social media platforms for content sharing
• Marketing and advertising partners
• Content delivery networks

6. Third-Party Services

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our business, including:

• Professional Partners: Engineers, contractors, and consultants working on your project
• Payment Processors: Secure payment gateways for financial transactions
• Cloud Storage Providers: For secure data storage and backup
• Email Service Providers: For newsletters and communications
• Analytics Services: To understand website usage and improve our services
• Government Authorities: When required for permits, approvals, and regulatory compliance

All third-party service providers are bound by confidentiality agreements and are required to protect your personal information in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

7. Your Rights

Under Canadian privacy legislation (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial laws, you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitation on how we use your information
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format
• Right to Object: Object to processing of your information for marketing purposes
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing at any time
• Right to Complain: Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided at the end of this policy.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

8.1 Retention Periods

• Client Project Files: 10 years after project completion (as required by architectural regulations)
• Financial Records: 7 years for tax and accounting purposes
• Marketing Communications: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
• Website Analytics: 26 months (Google Analytics default)
• Inquiry Data: 2 years if no project engagement occurs

8.2 Deletion Procedures

When the retention period expires, we securely delete or anonymize your personal information. For professional liability purposes, we may retain architectural drawings and project documentation for extended periods as required by law.

9. International Data Transfers

BlazeFlux Zenthor Architects is based in Canada. If you access our services from outside Canada, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in Canada where our servers and offices are located.

Canada is recognized by the European Commission as providing adequate protection for personal data. We ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place for any international data transfers, including:

• Standard contractual clauses approved by regulatory authorities
• Compliance with Canadian privacy legislation (PIPEDA)
• Data protection agreements with international service providers

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or business operations. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date
• Sending email notifications to registered users
• Displaying a prominent notice on our website

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Terms of Service

This Privacy Policy should be read in conjunction with our Terms of Service. By using our website and services, you agree to both documents. Key terms include:

• Intellectual property rights to all architectural designs remain with BlazeFlux Zenthor Architects until full payment is received
• Professional liability insurance covers all projects in accordance with Ontario architectural standards
• Dispute resolution will be conducted in accordance with Ontario law
• All contracts are governed by the laws of Ontario and Canada

Professional Compliance

BlazeFlux Zenthor Architects operates in full compliance with:

• Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
• Ontario Architects Act and related regulations
• Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL)
• Ontario Building Code requirements
• Municipal planning and zoning regulations
• Professional standards set by the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA)